By Naboth Isaac Niwagaba.
apearlnews.com
The Outspoken Priest of Kitanga Parish in Kabale Catholic Diocese Rev. Fr. Gaetano Batanyenda has described the ongoing Birthday Celebrations of UPDF Land Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Muhozi Kainerugaba as Political Campaigns and called for action from the Electoral Commission and the UPDF.
Fr. Gaetano who is also the Kigezi Regional Chairperson of the Inter Religious Council of Uganda – IRCU , was addressing journalists about the celebration of Muhozi’s 48 birthday in which the first son and his supporters have thrown mega parties featuring music performances led by the Gagamel Crew Boss Moses Ssali alias Bebe Cool.
In the celebrations which started last week, drinks and food items are distributed to the revellers before a few political speeches followed by music performances.
At first. Gen. Muhozi said his birthday celebrations were only meant to demonstrate victory against the COVID-19 pandemic and the end to Uganda’s three-year conflict with Rwanda which had led to the closure of the Katuna border that separates the two countries in Kabale District.
However, Rev. Fr. Gaetano argued that Muhozi’s birthday celebrations were disguised as political campaigns for the presidency where the first son was attempting to win the hearts of Ugandans by buying them food and drinks plus entertainment with Music performances. Fr. Gaetano referred to President Yoweri Museveni’s speech in which the head of state said that he was patient with corrupt government officials, unlike Muhozi.
” By saying that, Museveni was implying that he will not contest again and corrupt Ugandans should prepare for the high-handedness of his son who is going to succeed him as president of Uganda,” said Fr. Gaetano.
While making reference to Muhozi’s recent Twitter post that he would be announcing his Political program soon, Fr. Gaetano said it was illegal for a UPDF serving officer to announce his involvement in politics. Fr. Gaetano asked the Electoral Commission and the UPDF to take action.
Meanwhile, Fr. Gaetano accused a section of Ugandans led by Events Organiser Balaam Barugahare and Musician Bebe Cool of earning big from Muhozi’s birthday celebrations at the expense of other Ugandans who are only given “a few pieces of meat and entertainment” at the celebration venues.
In related development, Speaker of parliament Annett Anita Among yesterday blocked the debate about Muhozi’s Birthday celebrations when Kiira Municipality Mp Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda attempted to raise the matter for discussion on the floor of parliament.
Hon. Ssemujju argued that it was wrong for Parliament to play a football match with the UPDF in honor of Muhozi’s Birthday celebrations, but. Hon. Among argued that there was no law stopping a UPDF officer from celebrating birthdays in any manner.
” I don’t find any problem with Gen. Muhozi throwing a birthday bash, because there’s no law that stops him. Even you (Ssemujju) can hold such a celebration and we will attend if you invite us,” said Among
